All member ballot
This September, CSPA members will take part in our first all-member ballot to elect key members of the Executive Council. Ballot papers will be included with the Autumn edition of The Pensioner, and members whose email addresses we hold will also receive a secure link to vote online. Whether you choose to vote by post or […]
Understanding the Executive Council
This September marks an important milestone for the CSPA. For the first time, all members will have the opportunity to vote directly in elections for national Executive Council positions. Between now and early September, we’ll be sharing more information about the election process and introducing the candidates standing for election. Before voting opens, we thought […]
Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
After I attended a First-Aid course, I thought it would be a good idea to pass on how easy it is to find and use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Just put “defib finder” into your search engine (Google, Edge etc.). Click on “Where is my nearest defibrillator” Click “find a defib” Red box appears […]
Staying Safe Online
Staying safe online doesn’t need to be complicated. A few small habits can make a big difference in protecting your personal information and keeping your connection secure. What to keep in mind Use strong, secure passwords Create passwords that are long and hard to guess, using a mix of letters, numbers and symbols. Avoid using […]
Pension Age Winter Payment
Pension Age Winter Heating Payment helps people of State Pension age pay their heating bills. It’s paid once a year and replaced Winter Fuel Payment for people in Scotland. If you’re eligible You could get a payment of between £101.70 and £305.10. Most eligible people get the payment automatically and do not need to apply. You’ll get […]
Civil Service Pensions to rise by 3.8% from April 2026
Civil Service Pensions are due to rise by 3.8% from 6 April next year (2026), following ONS announcement of the September increase in the Consumers Prices Index (CPI) on October 22nd. Although this is better than last year`s disappointing 1.7% increase, CPI had been expected to rise to 4% in September before dropping to around 2% by […]
Report on the CSPA National AGM 2025.
The 71st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Civil Service Pensioners’ Alliance was held in the Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth on Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th October 2025. Scotland Branch was represented at the AGM by Christine McGiveron, on the Executive Council, Michael Kirby as the Branch delegate and Linda Kirby as Sponsored Representative. The […]
4.7% increase in State Pension likely from April 2026
State Pensions are due to rise by 4.7% from next April under the triple-lock in line with annual earnings growth , as announced today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This will mean the basic rate of State Pension (pre-2016) will rise by £431.60 to £9,607 (£184.75 per week), from 6 April 2026. The […]
National Entitlement Card
In Scotland, all people with a disability, and those aged 60 and over are entitled to a National Entitlement Card. Depending on people’s circumstances, and the region in which they live, this Entitlement Card can give access to a concessionary fare, or free train travel. National Entitlement Card for people living in the Strathclyde region […]
Commissioner for Older People (Scotland) Bill
The Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee is seeking views on a Bill which will establish a Commissioner for Older People in Scotland. Those views will inform the Committee’s scrutiny. About this call for views The Commissioner for Older People (Scotland) Bill was introduced by Colin Smyth MSP on 2 April 2025. According to […]